A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Santa Cruz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville than Santa Cruz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Asheville is very popular for its music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Santa Cruz attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Cruz and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Santa Cruz can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Santa Cruz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Santa Cruz.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Santa Cruz for the nightlife scene. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for live music. However, Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is well known for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Santa Cruz for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Asheville is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Cruz. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Asheville is notable for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas?

Asheville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Santa Cruz are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Cruz. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Asheville and Santa Cruz both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Santa Cruz is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Santa Cruz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Santa Cruz.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Asheville or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Santa Cruz on foot is easy. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Asheville or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Asheville than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Santa Cruz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Santa Cruz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Santa Cruz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Cruz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Asheville, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Santa Cruz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Santa Cruz, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Santa Cruz, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Santa Cruz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Santa Cruz. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Asheville is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

In April, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Asheville